A new hotel with a rooftop bar in the US is betting it can lure tourists and local space junkies alike who want to take in a great view of launches from Florida’s Space Coast. Directly across the Indian River from the Kennedy Space Center, in Brevard County, The Marriott Courtyard Titusville is positioning itself as both a top lodging destination for space fans from out of town and a gathering spot for Central Floridians who wish to watch liftoffs. “There are many differences between a typical Marriott Courtyard and the Courtyard Titusville,” said general manager Wayne Soard. “We think it’ll be pretty unique.” Developed by hospitality company Delaware North, which manages the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the hotel seeks to capitalise on Brevard County’s push to increase space-related tourism. The 152-room hotel will open on April 8, the day the SpaceX Falcon 9 Axiom Mission 1 blasts off. This will be the first private mission to carry a crew of four to the International Space Station. The lure of the location is visible right through the front doors. The whole east side of the hotel looks out onto the river through a bank lined with old-growth Florida vegetation. How is skiing in Canada now pandemic is easing? 2 resorts put to the test The back patio features seating around fire pits to take in the scenery. Guests can stroll across the ruins of old US Highway 1, which runs along the bank, to viewing areas packed with lounge chairs. From the pool, with its hot tub and bar, to the window-facing treadmills in the fitness centre, every accessible space was designed to maximise the view. Located 45 minutes from Orlando International Airport, 10 minutes from the space centre and a short drive from the Spaceport Commerce Park, the hotel’s biggest attraction will be the view on launch day. As well as the April 8 launch, two others are planned for this month and next. During a recent media preview, the Artemis I rocket was plainly visible on the launchpad awaiting testing. Kennedy’s launch pads and the enormous Vehicle Assembly Building are slightly north of the hotel but still visible from across the river. The clearest views are from The Space Bar, located on the roof and open to the public with its own express elevator in the lobby. A variety of space-themed cocktails will be served. Each of the 152 guest rooms includes one of five space-themed murals and the space touches extend to the lobby, which includes displays from the space centre as well as souvenirs. Rooms start around US$189, with launches pushing prices up. On the Marriott website, a patio room is going for US$440 for a crewed launch scheduled on April 19, and US$350 per night the weekend before. Additional reporting by staff reporter